Friday, March 18, 2016

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS UP TO $25,000 per household with
Government Money set aside for these improvements.! WANTED 10
Homes needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS! Save Hundreds of
$$$$!!!! *Free Estimate. Payments $59/Mo. No money down. Senior and
Military discounts 866-668-8681*wac.**

HELP WANTED

Immediate Hire - $725 a week. Are you self-motivated?
Local company has 10-15 openings for air quality testers. No experience
necessary. No Layoffs. Call for an interview at (501) 605-1303.

COME WORK with us at Gravel Ridge (Jax.) Subway, only 3
miles from back gate, flexible scheduling, great co-workers. Apply online
www.subway.com, store #15784 or call Joyce at 501-2187 (leave message).

DRIVERS - $5000 Sign on bonus! Home every weekend, Great
benefits, paid holidays & miles New equipment. Dry vans. Local family owned
& operated. Must be 23 years of age and have valid class A CDL. 2 yrs OTR
exp. a must.ThompsonTrans.net, or
call (501) 228-8800.**

FedEx GROUND – ASAP! Central AR Area, CLASS A CDL DRIVERS
– TEAMS- Signing bonus on day one! Currently looking for Class A CDL drivers
for team runs. Premium mileage pay and great benefits. Home weekly. Apply
today. Must have Class A CDL, 1 year of exp., be able to get doubles
endorsement.. Call/text: 870-754-5100, email: drivenow@outlook.com.**

In line with the official Catholic teachings, all Catholics 14 years of age and up are directed to abstain from meat all Fridays during Lent. All Catholics 18 and not yet 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (unless they have medical reasons).

A retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Rhonda Buening, 19th Airlift Wing command chief, is March 24 at 9 a.m. in the Walters Community Support Center Ballroom. For more information, call Master Sgt. Luke McLimans at 987-8244 or Staff Sgt. Nicholas Kaiser at 987-3539.

Commissary job opportunities

USA jobs currently is taking applications for the Pathways Intern Program through April 30, 2016. Interested candidates can log onto www.usajobs.gov and apply for these positions:

DECA-16-P-1636154-DE (PART-TIME)

DECA-16-P-1635786-DE (FULL-TIME)

The program is open to current students who are enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, on at least a half-time basis in an accredited educational institution. These intern positions are not to exceed 30 Sept 2016 at the Little Rock AFB Commissary. The salary range is $12.33 to $17.59 per hour.

Medical Group construction

The 19th Medical Group will be undergoing multiple construction projects from now through the fall that will enhance capabilities and increase patient and staff safety. The clinic will remain fully operational during the construction projects. Visit the “19th Medical Group - Little Rock AFB” Facebook Page.

2015 tax requirements

Available for tax year 2015 is another form in MyPay under Taxes, the IRS Form 1095. The Affordable Care Act signed into law March 23, 2010, requires all U.S. citizens and legal residents to obtain and maintain a minimum standard of health care insurance. For 2015, taxpayers are required to prove that they have obtained the minimum essential coverage, TRICARE qualifies for this coverage. Proof of coverage is the Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 1095: Employer Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage. Active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, retiree and civilians will need to have the IRS Form 1095 to file their 2015 taxes.

A little known fact about the C-130A Hercules on display in front of the main gate at Little Rock Air Force Base is that it was the last “Herk” out of Vietnam before the fall of Saigon in 1975.

The aircraft was accepted into the Air Force inventory on Aug. 23, 1957. It was first assigned to the 314th Troop Carrier Wing, Sewart AFB, Tennessee. Between 1964 and 1972, it served with several Air Force units until it was given to the South Vietnamese air force Nov. 2, 1972, under the Military Assistance Program.

On April 29, 1975, one day before the fall of Saigon, South Vietnamese instructor pilot, Maj. Phuong, and his crew prepared to get the last flyable aircraft off the destroyed Tan Son Nhut air base.

According to historic reports, there were more than 100 aircraft destroyed on the flightline, many still burning, when hundreds of desperate, freedom seeking civilians rushed the last remaining aircraft. The multitude forced themselves on top of each other and into every crevice, to the point that the rear ramp would not close for the bodies standing on it.

After being notified by the loadmaster, and with few options available, Phoung slowly taxied the aircraft forward and then hit the brakes forcing the people forward. The ramp closed.

Getting the overloaded aircraft off the ground would take all of Phuong’s skill as a pilot and more runway than was available, but the C-130 made it into the sky.

Phoung had planned for an 80 minute flight to the safety of Thailand, but got lost over the Gulf of Siam. Three and a half hours later, after finding a map and making corrections, the C-130 landed at Utapao Royal Thai air base in Thailand with 452 people on board. (There were 32 people on the flight deck alone). There had been no loss of life on this historic flight.

Upon landing, the US Air Force reclaimed the aircraft and in 1976 assigned it to the Oklahoma Air National Guard. The aircraft joined the 118th Tactical Airlift Group (ANG), Nashville, Tenn., in 1979. It remained there until its final flight to Little Rock AFB on June 28, 1989.

Wally’s Java, located in the Walter’s Community Support Center on base, is now part of the Essential Meal Card program. Similar to other base eateries, Airmen with meal card access use their common access card for food purchases.

Since the Air Force Services Agency has recently approved Wally’s menu, meal-card holders are now able to get a variety of foods at no cost with their military ID.

“Now that they accept the meal card, I go to Wally’s all of the time,” said Senior Airman Colton Carrier, 19th Communications Squadron client systems technician.

Meal card holders are able to get all of the items on the Wally’s menu which includes coffee, teas, breakfast pastries, sandwiches and fruit cups.

“Wally’s Java has become another food facility for the Airmen to enjoy,” said Jerry Edwards, 19th Force Support Squadron food and beverages manager. “It allows Airmen who go into the community center the opportunity to get a nutritional meal or snack at no cost to them.”

In addition to hosting the coffee shop, the Walter’s Community Support Center also houses the base library, the Youth Center and the Airman & Family Readiness Center. Coffee drinkers can get their caffeine fix while enjoying the facilities and the free Wi-Fi.

The new service allows Airmen the convenience of using the facilities during their lunch breaks.

“What it all comes down to is taking care of the Airmen,” Edwards said. “Wally’s is essentially helping take care of the Airmen.”

Wally’s Java is open Monday through Friday, from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

In honor of the Month of the Military Child, the Child Development Center hosts the annual Family Fest on Saturday, March 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Warfit Track.

The free event serves as a kick-off for April’s kid friendly events in honor of the Month of the Military Child.

“The Month of the Military Child is important because it provides us with an opportunity to focus on the challenges, rewards and ultimate strength that comes from being a military child,” said Sharon Thompson, Chief of the Airman & Family Readiness Center. “Supporting military children is important because they are part of the military family; they matter every month!”

In addition to the annual egg-hunt, there will be face painting, various exhibits including a K-9 demo, and plenty of food available to purchase.

The event is scheduled to have seven different egg-hunts available for various age groups, and throughout the day more than 30 booths from merchants and enterprises both on and off base will be present.

“It’s a big event, and this one is going to be larger than last year’s,” said Terri Williams, CDC Training and Curriculum Specialist. “It’s just as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids.”

The event’s rain date, if needed, is April 2. An official announcement will be posted via Facebook.

There are other ways people are celebrating the the Month of the Military Child, including Kids Understanding Deployment (KUDOS), held by the A&FRC, and discounts and other 19th Force Support Squadron events can be found at www.rockinathterock.com

For more information on donation and volunteer opportunities for the event, call 987-6355.

Friday, March 11, 2016

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

WANTED 10 Homes needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR
WINDOWS! The Government has set aside Up to $25,000 per household for these improvements.
Save Hundreds of dollars!!!! *Free Estimate. Payments $59/Mo. No money
down. Senior and Military discounts 866-668-8681*wac.**

BE HOME INSPECTOR IN 30 DAYS OR LESS - We
offer: Home & Commercial Inspection Training, & Continuing
Ed Inspection classes. For details/info:
Call 501-796-3627 or e-mail abc@tcworks.net for details or
visit:, www.abchii.com.**

Immediate Hire - $725 a week. Are you self-motivated?
Local company has 10-15 openings for air quality testers. No experience
necessary. No Layoffs. Call for an interview at (501) 605-1303.

The Razorback Inn is now hiring for the following
positions: Custodial Worker (Housekeeper), Laborer (Janitor). These are hotel
positions on Little Rock AFB in Jacksonville, AR. All applicants must be able
to satisfactorily complete a background investigation. AllFederal NAF employees are required by
PL 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct
deposit. Equal Opportunity Employer. If interested call 501-987-2598.

FedEx GROUND – Central AR Area, CLASS A CDL DRIVERS –
TEAMS- Signing bonus on day one! Currently looking for Class A CDL drivers for
team runs. Premium mileage pay and great benefits. Home weekly. Apply today.
Must have Class A CDL, 1 year of exp., be able to get doubles endorsement..
Call/text: 870-754-5100, email: drivenow@outlook.com.**

DRIVERS - $5000 Sign on bonus! Home every weekend, Great
benefits, paid holidays & miles New equipment. Dry vans. Local family owned
& operated. Must be 23 years of age and have valid class A CDL. 2 yrs OTR
exp. a must.ThompsonTrans.net, or
call (501) 228-8800.**

In line with the official Catholic teaches, all Catholics 14 years of age and up are directed to abstain from meat all Fridays during Lent. All Catholics 18 and not yet 59 are obliged to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (unless they have medical reasons).

• Good Friday Service – 5:30 p.m. March 25 Passion/Veneration/Communion

• Easter Vigil Mass – 8 p.m. March 26 March

• Easter Sunday Mass – 9:30 a.m. March 27

Chief Buening retirement

A retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Rhonda Buening, 19th Airlift Wing command chief, is March 24 at 9 a.m. in the Walters Community Support Center Ballroom. For more information, call Master Sgt. Luke McLimans at 987-8244 or Staff Sgt. Nicholas Kaiser at 987-3539.

Commissary job opportunities

USA jobs currently is taking applications for the Pathways Intern Program through April 30, 2016. Interested candidates can log onto www.usajobs.gov and apply for these positions:

DECA-16-P-1636154-DE (PART-TIME)

DECA-16-P-1635786-DE (FULL-TIME)

The program is open to current students who are enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, on at least a half-time basis in an accredited educational institution. These intern positions are not to exceed 30 Sept 2016 at the Little Rock AFB Commissary. The salary range is $12.33 to $17.59 per hour.

Runners needed

Volunteer runners are needed for Run for Fallen, a run remembering Arkansas’ fallen heroes who have died since 9/11. Trial runs are held every Wednesday and Friday at 4:15 p.m. starting near the EOD building on Marshall Road. Runners need to be able to run six miles in under an hour. For more information on the run visit www.arkansasrunforthefallen.org. The event will be March 18-20.

Stork Air Support group

Stork Air Support, a group for those battling the ups and downs of infertility or pregnancy loss, meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Walters Community Support Center.

Medical Group construction

The 19th Medical Group will be undergoing multiple construction projects from now through the fall that will enhance capabilities and increase patient and staff safety. The clinic will remain fully operational during the construction projects. Visit the “19th Medical Group - Little Rock AFB” Facebook Page.

With the stress of military life and the added pressure during tax season, it is easy to just spend your refund rather than set it aside for future use.

“There are two things people like to do with their tax refund. The first is the most fun: go buy something nice. The second is to pay off debts,” said Rick Tomaskovic, a Community Readiness Consultant at the Airmen & Family Readiness Center. “Since most people have little to no emergency savings, that is what we focus on when making recommendations to clients.”

Here are some helpful tips from Military OneSource to keep in mind:

• Change your W-4 withholdings if your refund is big: if you received a tax refund, it means you paid more taxes than you owed, and you may want to adjust your tax forms for the next year so you can grow interest on that money instead.

•Pay down your debt: use your refund to pay off that high-interest credit card or another lingering bill.

•Start an emergency fund: open a savings account and try to build up enough money to cover your expenses for three to six months.

•Contribute to your Thrift Savings Plan: you can never save too much for your retirement, so think about making an extra contribution.

•Save toward a large expense you may be contemplating such as on a home or vehicle down payment. A larger down payment will lower your monthly payments and your interest costs.

•Tackle some home improvements or repairs: minor home or car repairs now can prevent a budget-busting bill down the road, so fix that leaky pipe before it becomes a tsunami.

•Hold off spending your refund until you get it: wait until you actually get your refund to spend it, even if you’re sure about how you want to use the money: paying cash for a splurge will keep it off your credit card bill and possibly make you think twice about the purchase.

“If the debts are significant, we will always allocate a portion to that. But the one thing we generally don’t recommend is using a tax return to finance a big purchase,” said Tomaskovic. “If someone has a large tax return and no debt we would advise them to add to their savings for emergencies or other near-term needs. “

For information regarding filing taxes and available benefits, contact 987-7886.

Men and women from all branches of military service ride different waves of military life. Some are fortunate enough to come and go deployment after deployment, while some are even luckier to never have to leave their friends and family to the experience of saying goodbye and hoping for a speedy return.

While some families can attest to this fortune, others cannot. Over the last 15 years, throughout the state of Arkansas, more than 100 service members have paid the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives in service to their country. Their friends and family are left behind to hold their memory close, sometimes with overwhelming results.

The Arkansas Run for the Fallen March remembers these fallen Arkansans March 18-20. From Ozark, Ark. to the steps of the Capitol building in Little Rock, Arkansans cheer on the runners, waving flags and sending positive motivation. At each memorial, which are often the most sentimental and difficult aspects of the run, the same support is provided to service members and Gold Star families.

“Some of these people died 15 years ago. One time out of the year, though, somebody honors them and their families -- and that is important to us,” said Chief Master Sgt. Bubba Beason, the run coordinator. Each mile will be marked in memory of a fallen service member. The team running the mile will stop at the marker, read the biography of the fallen member and place the flag with the biography at the memorial site in honor of the member.

Supporters and Gold Star families line the streets during the run. Emotions are often high during the flag placement. Mothers, brothers, fathers and sisters show up to honor their fallen hero. The run provides the families with the opportunity to heal amidst tragic loss; and the chief said it is humbling to be a small part of keeping the members’ memories alive.

“Every year you see somebody change, whether it’s subtle or instant,” said Beason. “Last year, a group of guys ran who seemed a little prideful. Their attitude changed after running up to a mile marker and meeting a mom. They didn’t want to leave her.”

“It isn’t about the guys wanting to ride 144 miles or getting your picture in the paper -- it’s about the families,” he said.

The run ends at the Capitol building in Little Rock, with guest speakers, a reading of a letter from a Gold Star mother to the fallen son and the reading of the names of the fallen and a 21-gun salute.

For more information or to sign up, visit www.arkansasrunforthefallen.org.

Every day, aircraft from Little Rock soar through the skies and provide combat airlift around the world. One of the last things the aircrew needs is a defective fuel system.

Long hours, constant fuel tank repairs and the smell of jet fuel make up a typical day for the maintainers of the 19th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems repair section.

“Our job is invaluable to Combat Airlift,” said Master Sgt. Sed Bell, 19th Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuel systems section chief. “If we don’t ensure the aircraft fuel systems are in top condition, then we can’t guarantee that we can launch the aircraft.”

Although it’s a potentially dangerous job, the Airmen of the aircraft fuel systems repair section are needed to keep Little Rock’s C-130 fleet in perfect flying condition. The dirty job entails donning proper protective gear and descending into the deep darkness of the fuel tank.

“Depending on the job, someone could be in-tank for just one hour or several hours at a time,” U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Tokarczyk, 19th Maintenance Squadron fuel system repair craftsman. “On average, a person could spend one to two hours in-tank.”

Safety is one of fuel systems’ top priorities. Following the proper technical orders also plays a huge role in the repairs Airmen make. The job also requires safety coordination with the base fire department and the maintenance operations center.

“We follow procedures to ensure that the work being performed is done properly” Tokarczyk said. “One wrong move could potentially injure or kill someone.”

The section also works with other flights in the 19th MXS along with various units throughout the base. Attention to detail and excellence are the standard for their job. By maintaining the fleet, the Airmen are preparing the mobility forces for tomorrow.

“This team of professionals learn and understand every aspect of the fuel systems of an aircraft,” Bell said. “We’re a vital part of a bigger picture and that picture has no room for error.”

Friday, March 4, 2016

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

WANTED 10 Homes needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR
WINDOWS! The Government has set aside Up to $25,000 per household for these
improvements. Save Hundreds of dollars!!!! *Free Estimate. Payments
$59/Mo. No money down. Senior and Military discounts 866-668-8681* wac**

BE HOME INSPECTOR IN 30 DAYS OR LESS - We
offer: Home & Commercial Inspection Training, & Continuing
Ed Inspection classes. For details, info:
Call 501-796-3627 or e-mail abc@tcworks.net for details or
visit:, www.abchii.com.**

Immediate Hire - $725 a week. Are you self-motivated?
Local company has 10-15 openings for air quality testers. No experience
necessary. No Layoffs. Call for an interview at (501) 605-1303.

The Razorback Inn is now hiring for the following
positions: Custodial Worker (Housekeeper), Laborer (Janitor). These are hotel
positions on Little Rock AFB in Jacksonville, AR. All applicants must be able
to satisfactorily complete a background investigation. AllFederal NAF employees are required by
PL 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct
deposit. Equal Opportunity Employer. If interested call 501-987-2598.

FOOD SERVICE WORK Banquets, Cafeteria and Cook jobs in
Jacksonville and NLR – up to $9.00hr. Apply online @ CSSAR.COM. 501.801.8061.**

FedEx GROUND – Central AR Area, CLASS A CDL DRIVERS –
TEAMS- Signing bonus on day one! Currently looking for Class A CDL drivers for
team runs. Premium mileage pay and great benefits. Home weekly. Apply today.
Must have Class A CDL, 1 year of exp., be able to get doubles endorsement..
Call/text: 870-754-5100.**

Volunteer runners are needed for Run for Fallen, a run remembering Arkansas’ fallen heroes who have died since 9/11. Trial runs are held every Wednesday and Friday at 4:15 p.m. starting near the EOD building on Marshall Road. Runners need to be able to run six miles in under an hour. For more information on the run visit www.arkansasrunforthefallen.org. The event will be March 18-20.

Semi-annual inventory

The Munitions Storage Area will be closed from March 7 - 11 for its semi-annual 100 percent stockpile inventory. The MSA will only process emergency requests during this time. For more information, call Master Sgt. Anthony Buff at 987-6031.

Stork Air Support group

Stork Air Support, a group for those battling the ups and downs of infertility or pregnancy loss, meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Walters Community Support Center.

Medical Group construction

The 19th Medical Group will be undergoing multiple construction projects from now through the fall that will enhance capabilities and increase patient and staff safety. The clinic will remain fully operational during the construction projects. Visit the “19th Medical Group - Little Rock AFB” Facebook Page.

Legal office hours change

The base legal Office has new hours of operation began Feb. 1. Powers of attorney and notary services are available Monday - Friday, 9 - 11 a.m., and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 2 - 3 p.m. Active duty and family members walk-in legal assistance is available Mondays, 2 - 3 p.m., and Wednesdays, 9 - 11 a.m. Active duty and family member will executions by appointment only Mondays, 3 p.m., and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. Retiree legal assistance is available by appointment only the second and fourth Friday of the month, 9 - 11 a.m. Retiree will executions available by appointment only second and fourth Friday of the month, 11 a.m. The legal office closes Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. for training. For worksheets for wills, advance medical directives and powers of attorney visit https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil. For more information, call 987-7886.

2015 tax requirements

Effective for tax year 2015 is another form in MyPay under Taxes, the IRS Form 1095. The Affordable Care Act signed into law March 23, 2010, requires all U.S. citizens and legal residents to obtain and maintain a minimum standard of health care insurance. For 2015, taxpayers are required to prove that they have obtained the minimum essential coverage, TRICARE qualifies for this coverage. Proof of coverage is the Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service Form 1095: Employer Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage. Active duty, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, retiree and civilians will need to have the IRS Form 1095 to file their 2015 taxes.

A pack of K-9 units from 20 law enforcement agencies assembled at Camp Warlord here for a first time meeting.

The training day offered handlers an opportunity to share techniques and tactics to improve K-9 operations between agencies.

“We wanted to bring other police agencies on base so we could see what kind of knowledge they have and what kind of training they do with their dogs,” said Tech. Sgt. David Macdonald, 19th Security Forces Squadron military working dog kennel master.

The K-9 combine paced the pups through multiple scenarios such as traffic stops, patrol work, building searches, narcotic searches and tracking searches. After each event, the K-9 units would receive feedback from the master trainer running the exercise.

“Master trainers are dog handlers certified by the state on the civilian side,” Macdonald said. “We wanted to work with those certified officials so they could share our knowledge with us and we could share our knowledge.”

Sharing knowledge proved to be beneficial for the 19th K-9 section and for local police agencies.

“The training helped me by seeing more things that my dog can handle,” said Matt Barber, North Little Rock Police Department K-9 officer. “It also gives me the confidence in him to do those situations on the street. It also helps by working with other handlers and seeing what all they can do with their dogs. It gives me new ideas to work with my dog on and make us a better team.”

Although military and civilian K-9 units have many similarities, there are some differences when it comes to training – specifically combat-related duties.

“The local police agencies train their dogs for law enforcement,” Macdonald said. “They train for working on the road, enforcing the law and working with the special weapons and tactics teams. We have to train our dogs for not only street operations, but also for combat operations and for search operations down range.”

Not only can certain methods improve the effectiveness of working with a dog, having patience with a military working dog will not only allow it to work better, but will build a stronger bond between K-9 and handler.

“It takes patience to be a dog handler,” Macdonald said. “It actually takes a devotion to duty to be a dog handler. It’s not a piece of equipment you pick up or manipulate to work; it’s an animal. You have to figure out why he’s doing what he’s doing and try to get him to do what you want him to do.”

The event increased K-9 capabilities and built partnerships with local police forces.

“We wanted to partner with as many police agencies as we could bring on base and see what kind of training they do – really just reach out,” said Macdonald. “Lessons learned can help us better support Combat Airlift and support them in whatever ways the community may need us.”

Roughly 30 Airmen from the 19th and 913th Force Support Squadrons spent Friday morning immersed in a C-130 mission briefing event at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., hosted by Lt. Col. James O’Brien, commander of the 50th Airlift Squadron.

Briefers walked attendees through the standard profile of “plan the mission, brief the mission, fly the mission, and then debrief the mission.” The aircraft’s capabilities and the threats it faces during wartime missions were also emphasized.

“We are one team, one mission,” O’Brien told the group. “Force support is super important to the C-130 mission, and I want you to see how it happens, and how you fit in.”

The briefing began with a history lesson dating back to 1954, when the C-130 made its first flight. Another historical tidbit, unbeknownst to most in the room, is that the aircraft that flew the last C-130 mission out of Vietnam in 1975 sits outside the main gate of Little Rock AFB.

After the initial briefing, attendees received hands-on demonstrations of night vision goggles and other flight equipment, which included aircrew helmets, parachutes and chemical warfare equipment.

The force support Airmen also toured the air delivery shop, where airdrop pallets are prepared for training flights at Little Rock. Air delivery experts in the shop briefed the Airmen on wartime weapons drops and humanitarian missions flown by Little Rock Airmen.

The highlight of the event was a hands-on look at a C-130J on the ramp. Each Airman toured the aircraft and was given the opportunity to sit in the pilot seat and see the different screens and Head’s Up Display (HUD) of the aircraft.

“This was a great opportunity for our Airmen,” said Lt. Col. Rosalind Abdulkhalik, commander, 913 FSS. “They now have a better understanding of operational team work and how valuable they are in the total effort it takes to complete the mission.”